The coldest weather of the season will arrive Thursday dropping temperatures below zero. Brian Ortner with AAA Nebraska is urging drivers to take proactive steps to stay safe on the roads. “Having your tire pressure checked, having your battery tested, because they work harder in the cold, getting your fluids topped off and make sure your brakes and lights work.”
Ortner says the primary reasons for roadside assistance in winter weather are dead batteries and tire issues. “The tread needs to be able to effectively push snow and grip wet and icy surfaces to steer and propel your vehicle. Drivers should check their tires’ tread depth to see if replacement tires are needed.”
To avoid becoming stranded in the cold and snow Ortner says drivers should not let their gas tanks drop below a quarter of a tank. Here are some other tips from AAA
What to Do If You Become Stranded
If your vehicle becomes disabled in winter weather, staying calm and taking the right steps can save your life.
- Stay inside your vehicle for shelter unless it is unsafe to do so.
- Turn on hazard lights to increase visibility.
- Call for help and share your GPS location.
- Run the engine sparingly (about 10 minutes per hour) and crack a window for ventilation.
- Layer clothing, stay hydrated, and conserve your phone battery.
“If your car stalls in traffic, act fast: turn on hazard lights, set the emergency brake, stay inside with doors locked, and call for roadside assistance immediately,” added Ortner. “If remaining in your vehicle puts you at risk, such as on a blind curve or in heavy traffic, exit carefully, move to a safe location away from the roadway, and call for assistance immediately.”
How To Request AAA Roadside Assistance
- Call 800.AAA.HELP
- App: com/mobile
- Online com/roadsideassistance
- Text: Text ‘help’ to 222.1134
- Have your membership card and ID ready
Electric Vehicle Winter Tips
For those with electric vehicles, cold weather can slash EV range by up to 40% and slow charging. To conserve the battery:
- Precondition Your Battery: Warm up the battery before driving by using the preconditioning feature while the car is still plugged in. This helps maintain range and efficiency.
- Keep It Plugged In: Whenever possible, leave your EV plugged in overnight. This keeps the battery warm and prevents deep discharge in freezing temperatures.
- Manage Charging: Charge more frequently in winter since range can drop by 20–40% in cold weather. Use Level 2 charging for faster replenishment and better battery health.
- Optimize Cabin Heating: Use heated seats and steering wheel instead of blasting cabin heat—they consume less energy. Preheat the cabin while plugged in to avoid draining the battery on the road.
(Photo: AAA Nebraska)